My summer at Girls Love Science Too couldn’t have been any better! I spent a lot of time having fun with new friends. The program really helped me step out of my comfort zone and expand my knowledge of marine biology while doing interesting activities. On the first day, our group was introduced to the intertidal research project, which was about choosing a marine organism to study throughout the week. We would each be creating a poster to show the group interesting facts, pictures, and a food chain. The third day was even more exciting. We went to The Monterey Bay Research Institute and had the opportunity to meet many women working in science. One of the ladies was very inspiring. She explained how she moved from Scotland to develop new technology that will help explore life in the ocean. On the last day of the summer program, we presented our posters and had time to say goodbye to our new friends. Overall this experience was super amazing, and I want to give a big thanks to Wishbone and all the donors who gave me the opportunity to make this dream possible.

My school year has been super awesome! I was involved in many activities that I enjoyed. For example, through a program called Panthers Go to College, I went with a group of classmates to Portland on the last week of school. This trip was amazing we visited many different colleges and had the opportunity to know my classmates better outside of school. I am ready for more adventures at Girls Love Science Too with new people that will help me learn new things about myself. I do admit that I feel a little nervous, but it’s not going to be the first time I have been away from home. I am really eager to expand my knowledge about environmental issues like ocean pollution. The activity I am most excited about is doing the tide pool studies because I will get to examine organisms. I hope that by attending this program I am aware of more careers in science and make lasting friendships even if we live in different areas.

I just wanted to update all the wonderful people who donated to Lupita's campaign. Thanks to your collective generosity, her tuition to her *dream* summer program, Girls Love Science Too, has been fully funded! Lupita and I have been texting a lot as this process has unfolded, and she just keeps saying how EXCITED and GRATEFUL she is for all of this. I'm also incredibly excited and grateful--you reached out to support a child whom some of you don't even know, and she is now one step closer to her plan to find a career in biology. I look forward to keeping you updated as we get closer to camp time!

Sincerely,
Ingrid O'Brien